Recreational Therapist

Who We Are:

Canadian Mental Health Association Durham is an integrated community mental health and primary care hub that has been providing mental health services to Durham Region for over 60 years.

During that time, it has evolved to provide a broad range of services to individuals and their families experiencing mental health challenges, from information and education to case management, psychosocial rehabilitation, housing and primary healthcare. These services are provided through inter-professional teams focused on providing clinically based services that, in addition to dealing with client mental health issues, address social determinants of health using the recovery model.

Overview of the Role:

Reporting to the HART Hub Lead, the Recreation Therapist is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic recreation programs to support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of clients. This role works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to promote recovery, enhance quality of life, and foster community integration for individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges. 

Job Hours: 7am-3pm

Job Days: Alternating every other week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday / Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday

Duties and Responsibilities:

Case Management Services

Participates as a member of a high performance, multi-service team within the HART Hub program.

Conducts assessments and prepares individualized supportive client care plans that promote long term stability and growth.  

Develop, implement, evaluate and revise treatment goal plans in collaboration with clients and HART Hub team members.

Ensures that clients understand provided services and agree to the expectations related to the RT role.

Works with clients in one-on-one and/or group situations teaching skills that promote sharing of responsibilities associated with reaching their goals.

Provides services in a respectful individualized, supportive, and flexible manner.

Supports and assists clients with enhancing their skills to increase their quality of life promoting healthy living standards  

Supports clients to establish and foster positive supports and connections.

Establishes supportive therapeutic relationships with clients and advocates for, and with, clients.

Consults and collaborates with community resources and service providers ensuring clients obtain the most appropriate services and continuity in their care.

Documents workload as outlined in CMHA Durham policies and procedures.

Provides on-call services to clients and acts as back up coverage to staff, as required.

Performs other tasks as assigned by management. 

Recreational Therapy Services

Assess clients’ leisure interests, abilities, and needs using standardized tools and interviews.

Develop individualized and group recreation therapy plans aligned with clients’ goals and treatment plans.

Facilitate a variety of therapeutic recreation activities (e.g., arts, sports, community outings, wellness programs) in individual and group settings.

Monitor and document clients’ participation, progress, and outcomes; adjust programs as needed.

Provides direction, guidance and service to clients relating to assessments, consultations, treatment formulations and clinical interventions.

Collaborate with clinical and support staff to integrate recreation therapy into holistic care.

Advocate for clients’ access to community resources and inclusive recreation opportunities.

Provides skills teaching and modelling of activities of daily living.

Attends professional meetings, educational conferences and designated training workshops, as assigned,  to maintain up-to-date knowledge and relevant certification.

Provides agency training to internal staff as needed/directed.

Operates in full compliance with Ontario’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

Mentors Recreational Therapy students completing their school related placements  

Client Safety 
Adhere to CMHA Durham client safety programs including program policies as well as infection control and prevention procedures. In partnership with clients, family members, and fellow staff, maintain open lines of communication to assist the organization in identifying and achieving quality outcomes for client safety. Report client safety incidents and suggested improvements to manager or delegate. 

Other Duties as Assigned

Attend, participate in team meetings and all employee meetings

Participate in organizational quality improvement activities, e.g. accreditation projects, committee work, special events

Participate in quality improvement activities at the team/program level

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

Effort:

Sits at desk, stands and walks daily to perform the duties of the job.

Concentration, conceptualization and creativity required daily to attend meetings, teach life skills, engage with clients and caregivers, prepare documents, etc.

Operates personal vehicle to perform the duties of the job

Creativity and innovation required daily using sight, hearing and touch to operate a computer

Resolve conflicts, problem solve, facilitate meetings, attend meetings, oversee daily operations, manage caseloads, prepare documents, listen to clients etc. 

Risk Management:

Minimizes risks adhering to CMHA Durham Policies and Procedures identifying, assessing, evaluating and controlling risks ensuring well-being of employees and clients  

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy and a minimum of one-year related experience and/or equivalent combination of education, experience and/or lived/life experiences is required.

Active membership to a relevant association (provincial or national) is seen as an asset.

Sound knowledge the Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent Act, Ontario ACTT Standards, social service benefits and related legislation in Ontario.

Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills and ability to formally present information to individuals or groups to develop, implement and monitor care plans.

Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, community, partners and always represent the agency in a professional manner.

Ability to make accurate assessments and implement best practices.

Ability to acquire and utilize community resources effectively to meet client’s needs.

Flexibility to adapt to change.

Ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Ability to work independently and in a dynamic team environment.

Ability to think critically and creatively.

Ability to manage crisis situations.

Valid Ontario Driver’s license, access to a dependable vehicle in safe working order and appropriate insurance coverage

Intermediate proficiency in oral and written French an asset

Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook), as well as the internet

Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) to ensure staff understand and contribute to the strategic vision of the organization

Work outside of normal business hours as required

Working Conditions:

Works on site in office settings and occasionally off site in the community in public environments

Exposure to psychiatric behaviors that may be considered offensive (abusive/irate clients), deadlines, multiple demands, distractions/Interruptions    

Some exposure to hazards (smoke, pets) 

What we Offer:

CMHA Durham is a non-profit community-based organization that believes that mental and physical health care is for everyone regardless of class, race, sexuality, gender, age, faith, or ability. With a flexible working model (within reasonable parameters of the program), memberships to meditation apps, competitive vacation, wellness time and 100% employer paid health benefits, work-life balance is not only encouraged but expected. Our Monday – Friday work week has 35 hours for most position and everyone gets their birthday off with pay.

Read more about us at CMHADurham.org/getinvolved. CMHA Durham endorses the principles of workforce diversity and does not use AI algorithms or automated decision-making in the recruitment process. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please advise us if you require any level of accommodation; we are here to help and support you.